A huge number of laptops get stolen every year. Besides having to invest in a new device, the owners of stolen laptops often lose valuable data. However, many of these thefts may not have happened if those laptops had a worthy cable lock.
And with that, let’s go through a brief rundown of the best laptop cable locks currently available on the market.
Best Laptop Cable Locks Reviews
Contents
Kensington Combination Cable Lock (K64673AM)
This Combination Cable Lock from Kensington is not among the most affordable on the market, but it is firmly one of the best laptop cable locks. The cable lock features a wheel code and a super-strong cable to prevent thieves from running off with your device.
Starting with the number code, the lock has the industry-standard 4-wheel version. That means that 10,000 combinations are at your disposal. You can reset the code at any given time and even register the current one on Kensington’s site.
The Combination Cable Lock also features a push-button for smooth operation. You can push the button with your thumb and insert the lock into the compatible slot on the side of your device with one hand.
The lock also features a metal T-bar in the front that is compatible with most laptops on the market. However, to be sure that this lock fits your device, verify on Kensington’s official site first. Apart from laptops, you can use it with a broad range of TVs, hard drives, projectors, and other devices.
A cable lock largely depends on the strength of the cable. If it is not sturdy enough, a thief could cut through it and swipe the laptop. In this regard, Kensington equipped this lock with a six-foot cable of carbon steel. It is cut-resistant and encased in a protective sleeve.
Pros
- Carbon steel cable
- Retrievable codes
- Excellent compatibility
- Easy operation
Cons
Slightly pricy
Kensington Desk Mount Anchor (K64613WW)
The Kensington Desk Mount Anchor is among the best options if you’re on a tight budget. It offers simple operation, outstanding sturdiness, and discreet design. However, it is only an anchor and you will have to buy the lock separately.
Even though there is no lock, the Kensington Desk Mount Anchor offers a substantial level of security. It is tamper-resistant and features a pair of one-way safety screws. Also, the anchor’s all-steel construction prevents potential thieves from cutting through the device and snatching your laptop.
You can also use this anchor with all other devices that have the Kensington slot. You can tape it to the working surface without drilling any holes. Instead, it has a super-strong adhesive tape on the bottom. That makes it perfect if you live in a college dorm or a rented apartment. Or, if you just don’t want to bother with drilling holes.
In terms of compatibility, you can use this anchor with any device that’s compatible with Kensington locks. That includes many monitors, docking stations, TVs, and other electronic devices. The cable is thin but strong as it has its roots in the more expensive Kensington anchors and locks.
Pros
- Affordable
- Simple
- Easy to install
- Works on all surfaces
Cons
Lock sold separately
Bodyguard Notebook Laptop Combination Lock
Bodyguard’s Notebook Laptop Combination Lock is among the best laptop cable locks in its price class, though it may also give more expensive models a run for their money.
This model features an elegant design with polished chrome and keyless combination lock. The combination lock is a standard four-wheeler with 10,000 available combinations, and you can set it quickly.
In the front, the lock mechanism features the standard T-shaped piece that is compatible with security holes on almost all laptops. Also, you can use it with many other types of electronic devices. However, to be sure, check out the manufacturer’s site before the purchase.
The cable is this lock’s strongest point. It’s around 30% thicker than what’s found on many similar models and therefore harder to cut through. It’s made of steel wire, rather than the lesser iron wire found on entry-level laptop cable locks. Also, it is more flexible than the cable on your average lock.
You can install and uninstall the entire thing with one hand, thanks to the small lever above the combination digits.
Optionally, you can order a set of adjustment gaskets with this combination lock. They come in three different sizes of 0.02”, 0.04”, and 0.06”.
Pros
- Thick cable
- Optional gaskets
- One-hand operation
Cons
Combination wheels could be a bit smoother
Sendt Notebook Combination Lock Security Cable
The Sendt security cable is a full-spec combination lock if not a top-shelf one. This affordable lock is available in a range of colors, including red, pink, blue, and several more.
In terms of compatibility, you can use this lock with all devices that have the standard Kensington security slot. That includes almost all laptops, projectors, plasma screens, and other electronic devices. One notable exception is Dell laptops and devices that use Kensington’s wedge slots like the Nano and the Noble. So, make sure to confirm before ordering this lock.
This cable features a regular four-digit lock with 10,000 combinations. The dials work smoothly, and you can quickly scramble the code when you lock your laptop. Above them is a standard push button. Press the button rotates the T-bar and allows you to insert the lock into the slot.
The cable is six feet long and made of a special zinc alloy. It is not as robust as carbon steel or some other high-performance alloys, but it is more than enough to stop a regular coffee shop thief.
Sendt gives a one-year warranty on this cable lock that covers only manufacturing defects. Finally, the default code is four zeros and you will need a small screwdriver to reset it.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Easy to use
- One-year warranty
Cons
The cable could be a bit sturdier
Ruban Notebook Lock
The Ruban Notebook Lock is one of the few top-ranking security cables that don’t use the four-digit lock mechanism. Leaving that aside, this is a sturdy security cable with a sleek design and somewhat limited compatibility.
Talk about compatibility, you can use this cable lock only with devices that have the standard 0.28” x 0.12” Kensington security slot. Luckily, that includes the majority of popular laptops and monitors
Notably, you can’t use it with Dell laptops made in 2016 or later. That would include Alienware, Inspiron, and XPS. Furthermore, Acer’s Chromebook 13 models and the more recent MacBooks are also not compatible.
In the safety area, this cable lock features a thin and sturdy steel cable made. It is available in two lengths, 6.2’ and 6.6’. There are two locks at its end, each with its own key. You also get a pair of keys in the package.
Even though it doesn’t have the four-digit combination lock, this security cable has the standard T-bar and push-button mechanism for one-hand operation.
Pros
- Double-lock mechanism
- Steel cable
- Simple construction
- Easy operation
Cons
Somewhat limited compatibility
Verdict
These are the best laptop cable locks on the market. And the ideal cable lock for you depends on your needs and perhaps to a lesser extent, your budget – as they’re not terribly expensive compared to the laptop that you’re trying to safeguard.
If you simply want the best of the best, you might want to set your sight on the Kensington Combination Cable Lock. For something affordable and simple, you can’t go wrong with the Kensington Anchor or the Ruban Notebook Lock. The former is an anchor that comes without a lock. The latter has a pair of locks with keys.
You could go with the Bodyguard model for the ultimate sturdiness. And the Sendt if you want a combination lock on a budget.